Plant Accountant

Company: A.O. Smith
Location: Charlotte
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Company / Location Information A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Primary Function The Plant Accountant for our Charlotte, NC. location oversees the payroll functions while directly performing financial functions and analysis of the accounting department related to general accounting, fixed assets, purchase card administration, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and month end closing functions of the accounting department in a timely manner while directly performing financial functions and analysis related to bill of materials and routings. The plant accountant supports the financial reporting process, forecasting, budgeting, and review, analyze and interpret results of operations. The plant accountant is a key position to examine, analyze and interpret production variances for manufacturing including material, labor, and overhead variances. Responsibilities Provide support and partner with our manufacturing operations and corporate finance groups by assuring the production of timely and accurate financial information and analysis. Review the processing of payroll data and ensure that computing, withholding, or deductions associated with net pay is completed properly. Responsible for Fixed Assets including capital projects, physical inventory of assets, forecasting cash flow and depreciation. Review, analyze and interpret results of operations, identify financial and operational issues and make recommendations for change. Support the financial reporting process and ensure timely and reliable reporting. Examine, analyze, and interpret production variances for manufacturing and financial management including material, labor, and overhead variances. Manages and controls annual standard cost roll, including analysis of material and freight costs, bill of materials, routings, labor, and overhead rates. Lead the preparation of monthly forecast, including direct labor, fixed spending, variable spending, purchase price variance, material usage variance, steel usage variance, ECN variance, scrap, earned variable and fixed burden, and inventory. Lead the preparation of the annual budget, including direct labor, fixed spending, variable spending, purchase price variance, material usage variance, steel usage variance, ECN variance, scrap, earned variable and fixed burden, and inventory. Review and perform analysis on labor reporting and cost, materials cost, manufacturing overhead, and inventory levels. Review, analyze and interpret results of operations, identify financial and operation issues, and make recommendations for change. Analyze internal controls to ensure assets are adequately safeguarded and results are accurately reported and documented according to SOX 404 requirements. Work closely with the external and internal audit groups to ensure timely completion of the compliance and substantive testing as required. Support strategic plant and company initiatives and special projects. Qualifications B.S. in Accounting or Business Administration; MBA preferred. 5-10 years of accounting experience in a manufacturing environment. Expertise in accounting functions to include payroll, general accounting to include fixed assets, sales tax, month end closing, accounts payable, inventory accounting, cost accounting, bill of materials and routings analysis, month end close, financial planning and business analysis. Experience calculating overhead rates and analyzing and interrupting labor and material production variances. CPA or CMA highly preferred. Strong analytical skills, with ability to clearly link financial results to operational performance drivers. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively. Demonstrated leadership as part of a cross-functional plant management team. Strong planning and organizational skills. Proficient in PC-based spreadsheets and ERP/MRP systems, with preference for SAP highly desirable. Demonstrated proficiency in GAAP, SOX, and other financial compliance standards. Prior experience with lean and six sigma. Internal or external audit experience a plus Strong influencing and communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of ERP/MRP systems, hardware, and reporting conventions. Education Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance We Offer Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance. LI-AO LI-Onsite Appcast ADA Statement & EEO Statement In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.

Keywords: A.O. Smith, Columbia , Plant Accountant, Accounting, Auditing , Charlotte, South Carolina